Tuesday, May 12, 2009

I ordered a few birth certificates from the GRO a couple weeks ago and they arrived Saturday.

I am most excited about the one for my great-great-great grandfather Charles Whitehead. Based on census records and his Ontario death record, I knew he was born about 1840 in Kent, England. I assumed it was in Halstead, located in the Sevenoaks district, as this is where his family lived at the time of his birth, but I was unable to find him in the index. Recently, I realized I could search for a last name without a first name and up popped "Male Whitehead" born 1840 in the Sevenoaks district. Luckily it is him! Born 10 Oct 1840 in Halstead to Charles and Emma (Bond) Whitehead. This also confirms Emma's mother being Mary Bond who was with them in the 1861 census (she was listed as grandmother to the head, which is incorrect. Should be mother-in-law).

I also ordered the birth certificates for his two sons born in England before they immigrated to Canada. Benjamin was born 31 Oct 1866 in Halstead and Joseph was born 2 Nov 1869 in Halstead to Charles and Mary (Hayman) Whitehead.

If only I could find Charles and Mary Ann's marriage certificate.

Listed on the same page as Joseph was an Elizabeth Whitehead, born in the same quarter, same district and I found her death record about a year later. Wondering if she was his twin, I ordered the certificated. Turns out she was born 10 Nov 1869 in Shoreham to Joshua and Elizabeth (Beeching) Whitehead. She later died 22 Oct 1870 from convulsions from teething. As far as I know, there is no relation, but if anyone is related, let me know and you can have the certificates. I like knowing that her short life is now documented and here for a relative to find.

In life, I have been very lucky in regard to the woman surrounding me. From my younger sister Christina, to my grandmother Marlyn and my aunt/Godmother Amy, I always have had loving, strong, amazing women around me. Most important of all these women, however, is my mother, Julie.

I am her first child and in an interview recently with my mom, she said she loved being pregnant because, for 9 months, she was never alone.

Search This Blog

Subscribe via email

Pages

About Me

I'm a mom, a traveler, a reader, a genealogist, and a librarian. I love to go on adventures big and small with my husband and 4 year old son, hang out with friends, wander through new cities, and stare at the stars.